Latrobe,LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Seamless tube (ASTM P20)

Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Seamless tube (ASTM P20) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Seamless tube (ASTM P20) Synonyms -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel (ASTM P20) Product Information -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: # **PRODUCT DATASHEET: LATROBE LSS™ P20 MOLD STEEL (ASTM P20)** ## **EXECUTIVE SUMMARY** Latrobe LSS™ **P20 Mold Steel** is a premium-quality, pre-hardened **chromium-molybdenum alloy steel** specifically engineered for **plastic injection molds, die casting tooling, and precision tooling applications**. Supplied in the **pre-hardened condition at approximately 30-32 HRC (285-325 HB)**, this versatile mold steel eliminates the need for heat treatment after machining, reducing lead times and minimizing distortion risks. With its excellent combination of **machinability, polishability, and uniform hardness distribution**, Latrobe P20 represents the industry standard for medium-to-large plastic injection molds requiring superior surface finish, dimensional stability, and cost-effective manufacturing. Manufactured with Latrobe's proprietary melting and processing expertise, this grade offers consistent quality, improved cleanliness, and reliable performance compared to conventional P20 steels. The optimized composition and controlled processing ensure excellent **weldability, good toughness, and consistent response to nitriding or texturing processes**, making it the preferred choice for toolrooms worldwide. --- ## **METALLURGICAL DESIGN** ### **Material Concept** P20 is a **low-alloy, chromium-molybdenum steel** designed to provide: - **Through-Hardening Capability** to ensure uniform properties in large cross-sections - **Good Machinability** in the pre-hardened state for efficient tool fabrication - **Excellent Polishability** to achieve superior surface finishes for optical-quality plastic parts - **Good Wear Resistance** for extended mold life in moderate production runs ### **Manufacturing Advantages** - **Consistent Hardness:** Tight control of alloying elements ensures uniform hardness throughout the material - **Improved Cleanliness:** Enhanced melting practices reduce inclusions for better polishability - **Stress-Relieved Condition:** Proper thermal treatment minimizes residual stresses, reducing distortion during machining - **Uniform Microstructure:** Controlled cooling rates produce consistent tempered martensite structure --- ## **CHEMICAL COMPOSITION** ### **Standard Composition (Weight %)** | Element | Minimum | Maximum | Typical | Metallurgical Function | |---------|---------|---------|---------|------------------------| | **Carbon (C)** | 0.28 | 0.40 | 0.35 | Hardness, wear resistance | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.60 | 1.00 | 0.80 | Hardenability, strength | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.20 | 0.80 | 0.45 | Deoxidation, strength | | **Chromium (Cr)** | 1.40 | 2.00 | 1.70 | Hardenability, wear resistance, corrosion resistance | | **Molybdenum (Mo)** | 0.30 | 0.55 | 0.40 | Hardenability, toughness, temper resistance | | **Nickel (Ni)** | — | 0.25 | 0.15 | Optional, improves toughness | | **Sulfur (S)** | — | 0.030 | 0.015 | Improves machinability (free-machining variants available) | | **Phosphorus (P)** | — | 0.030 | 0.015 | Residual | ### **Optional Modifications** - **P20+S:** Sulfur-added version (0.06-0.10% S) for improved machinability - **P20+Ni:** Nickel-added version (0.70-1.00% Ni) for enhanced toughness in large sections - **P20 Modified:** Special chemistries available for specific applications ### **Typical Gas Content (ppm)** - **Oxygen:** <30 ppm - **Hydrogen:** <2 ppm - **Nitrogen:** <80 ppm --- ## **PHYSICAL & MECHANICAL PROPERTIES** ### **As-Supplied Condition (Pre-Hardened)** | Property | Value Range | Typical | Units | Test Standard | |----------|-------------|---------|--------|----------------| | **Hardness** | 29-33 | 31 | HRC | ASTM E18 | | **Brinell Hardness** | 285-325 | 305 | HB | ASTM E10 | | **Tensile Strength** | 140-160 | 150 | ksi (965-1100 MPa) | ASTM E8 | | **Yield Strength (0.2%)** | 125-145 | 135 | ksi (860-1000 MPa) | ASTM E8 | | **Elongation** | 12-16 | 14 | % | ASTM E8 | | **Reduction of Area** | 35-50 | 42 | % | ASTM E8 | | **Impact Energy (Charpy V)** | 25-40 | 32 | ft-lb (34-54 J) | ASTM E23 | ### **Physical Properties** | Property | Value | Units | Temperature | |----------|-------|--------|-------------| | **Density** | 0.284 | lb/in³ (7.85 g/cm³) | Room Temp | | **Elastic Modulus** | 29.0 × 10⁶ | psi (200 GPa) | Room Temp | | **Poisson's Ratio** | 0.29 | | Room Temp | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 21.5 | BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F) | 212°F (100°C) | | **Specific Heat** | 0.11 | BTU/(lb·°F) | 68-212°F (20-100°C) | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 6.5 × 10⁻⁶ | /°F | 68-600°F (20-315°C) | | **Thermal Expansion** | 11.7 × 10⁻⁶ | /K | 20-315°C | ### **Machinability Data** | Operation | Cutting Speed | Feed Rate | Depth of Cut | Notes | |-----------|---------------|-----------|--------------|-------| | **Turning** | 300-400 SFM | 0.008-0.015 IPR | 0.100-0.250" | Coated carbide tools | | **Milling** | 250-350 SFM | 0.003-0.008 IPT | 0.050-0.150" | High-speed steel or carbide | | **Drilling** | 100-150 SFM | 0.004-0.008 IPR | Full diameter | HSS drills with coolant | | **Tapping** | 30-50 SFM | — | — | Use appropriate lubricant | *Machinability Rating: Approximately 60-70% of 1212 steel (pre-hardened condition)* ### **Polishability Characteristics** - **Surface Finish:** Capable of achieving <1 Ra µin (0.025 µm) with proper polishing technique - **Inclusion Control:** Premium grade offers superior cleanliness for optical applications - **Texture Compatibility:** Excellent for photo-etching, laser texturing, and EDM --- ## **INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS & SPECIFICATIONS** ### **Primary Material Standards** | Standard | Designation | Equivalent Grades | |----------|-------------|-------------------| | **ASTM A681** | P20 Type 1 | Primary specification | | **UNS** | T51620 | Unified numbering system | | **AISI/SAE** | P20 | American Iron and Steel Institute | | **DIN** | 1.2311 | German standard | | **ISO** | 35CrMo2 | International standard | | **JIS** | SCM440 | Japanese Industrial Standard | | **GB** | 3Cr2Mo | Chinese standard | ### **Industry-Specific Specifications** - **SPI (Plastics Industry):** SPI-P20 Standard - **NADCA (Die Casting):** No. 207 – P20 Steel - **Tool & Die Industry:** Common industry standards for mold steels ### **Quality Standards** - **ASTM A388:** Ultrasonic Examination of Heavy Steel Forgings - **ASTM E45:** Determining Inclusion Content of Steel - **AMS 2301:** Premium Aircraft Quality Steel (for premium grades) - **Internal Latrobe Standards:** Exceeding industry requirements for mold steels --- ## **APPLICATIONS** ### **Primary Applications** #### **Plastic Injection Molding** - **Injection Molds:** Cavity and core blocks for automotive, consumer products, electronics, medical devices - **Mold Bases:** Standard and custom mold bases, support plates, ejector housings - **Mold Components:** Ejector pins, leader pins, sprue bushings, support pillars - **Large Molds:** Automotive bumpers, instrument panels, appliance housings, furniture components #### **Die Casting** - **Die Casting Dies:** For aluminum, magnesium, and zinc die casting (lower-volume applications) - **Insert Blocks:** Local reinforcement in high-wear areas - **Support Structures:** Backing plates, bolster plates #### **Other Tooling Applications** - **Compression Molds:** For thermoset plastics and composites - **Blow Molds:** For PET and other blow-molded containers - **Structural Foam Molds:** For low-pressure structural foam molding - **Master Models:** For prototyping and pattern making ### **Industry Sectors** - **Automotive:** Interior and exterior components, lighting, connectors - **Consumer Goods:** Electronics housings, appliances, toys, containers - **Medical:** Device housings, surgical equipment components, diagnostic equipment - **Packaging:** Closures, containers, caps - **Electronics:** Connectors, housings, components ### **Recommended Uses by Production Volume** - **Short Run:** <100,000 cycles (excellent) - **Medium Run:** 100,000-500,000 cycles (good) - **High Volume:** >500,000 cycles (consider hardened steels or surface treatments) --- ## **HEAT TREATMENT & SURFACE TREATMENT** ### **Optional Heat Treatment (If Required)** Although supplied pre-hardened, P20 can be further heat treated if required: #### **Hardening** - **Austenitizing:** 1500-1550°F (815-845°C) - **Quenching:** Oil quench (sections up to 4") or polymer quench - **Achievable Hardness:** Up to 52-54 HRC - **Tempering:** 400-1100°F (205-595°C) to desired hardness #### **Stress Relieving** - **Temperature:** 1100-1200°F (595-650°C) - **Time:** 2 hours per inch of thickness - **Purpose:** Reduce machining stresses, improve dimensional stability ### **Surface Treatments** P20 responds well to various surface treatments to enhance performance: #### **Nitriding** - **Process:** Gas or plasma nitriding - **Case Depth:** 0.008-0.020" (0.2-0.5 mm) - **Surface Hardness:** 65-70 HRC - **Benefits:** Improved wear resistance, anti-galling properties #### **Chrome Plating** - **Thickness:** 0.0002-0.0005" (5-13 µm) - **Benefits:** Improved corrosion resistance, release properties #### **Other Treatments** - **Nickel Plating:** For corrosion resistance - **PVD/CVD Coatings:** TiN, TiCN, CrN for enhanced wear resistance - **Texturing:** Photo-etching, laser texturing for surface patterns --- ## **MACHINING & FABRICATION** ### **Machining Guidelines** #### **General Recommendations** - **Tool Material:** C2/C3 carbide for roughing, C5/C6 for finishing - **Tool Geometry:** Positive rake angles, sharp cutting edges - **Coolant:** Water-soluble oils (5-10% concentration) - **Chip Control:** Use chipbreakers for better chip evacuation #### **Specific Operations** 1. **Turning:** Use rigid setups, moderate speeds and feeds 2. **Milling:** Climb milling recommended for better surface finish 3. **Drilling:** Use proper point angles (118-135°), peck drilling for deep holes 4. **Tapping:** Use spiral-point or spiral-flute taps with appropriate lubricant 5. **Grinding:** Use aluminum oxide or CBN wheels with proper coolant ### **Welding & Repair** #### **Recommended Practices** - **Preheat:** 400-500°F (205-260°C) for welding - **Interpass Temperature:** 400-600°F (205-315°C) - **Post-Weld Heat Treatment:** Stress relieve at 1100°F (595°C) - **Filler Metals:** Use matching composition (AWS A5.28) or specialized mold repair electrodes #### **Common Applications** - **Mold Repair:** Fixing cracks, filling damaged areas - **Modifications:** Changing mold geometry, adding features - **Texturing:** Building up areas for special textures ### **EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining)** - **Excellent EDM Characteristics:** Good material removal rates, fine surface finishes - **Recommended Settings:** Follow machine manufacturer guidelines - **Recast Layer:** Typically 0.0005-0.002" (13-50 µm) – should be removed by polishing - **Stress Effects:** Minimal distortion with proper EDM parameters --- ## **QUALITY ASSURANCE** ### **Testing & Certification** - **Hardness Testing:** Multiple locations to ensure uniformity - **Ultrasonic Testing:** Optional for critical applications - **Dimensional Verification:** To customer specifications - **Surface Inspection:** For defects and imperfections ### **Available Grades** - **Standard P20:** For general mold applications - **Premium P20:** Enhanced cleanliness for optical applications - **P20+S:** Free-machining version - **P20+Ni:** Improved toughness version ### **Size Range** - **Round Bars:** 1" to 24" diameter - **Flat Bars:** Up to 12" thick × 48" wide - **Blocks:** Custom sizes available - **Plates:** Up to 6" thick × 120" wide --- ## **TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES** Latrobe provides comprehensive support for P20 applications: ### **Design Assistance** - Material selection guidance - Heat treatment recommendations - Machining parameter optimization ### **Troubleshooting** - Machining problem resolution - Welding procedure development - Failure analysis ### **Training** - Material characteristics - Best practices for machining and finishing - Maintenance and repair techniques --- ## **COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES** ### **vs. Other Mold Steels** | Feature | P20 | 420 Stainless | H13 | S7 | |---------|-----|---------------|-----|----| | **Hardness (as-supplied)** | 30-32 HRC | 30-32 HRC | Annealed | 58-60 HRC | | **Machinability** | Excellent | Good | Good | Poor | | **Polishability** | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | | **Toughness** | Good | Fair | Excellent | Excellent | | **Wear Resistance** | Good | Good | Excellent | Good | | **Cost** | Moderate | High | High | High | ### **Latrobe-Specific Advantages** - **Consistent Quality:** Tight control of chemistry and processing - **Improved Cleanliness:** Better polishability and surface finish - **Technical Support:** Expert guidance for tooling applications - **Reliable Supply:** Consistent availability and delivery --- ## **HANDLING & STORAGE** ### **Best Practices** - **Storage:** Keep in dry environment to prevent rust - **Handling:** Use appropriate lifting equipment for heavy sections - **Protection:** Apply rust preventative if long-term storage anticipated - **Identification:** Maintain material identification throughout processing ### **Safety Considerations** - **Machining:** Use proper guards and personal protective equipment - **Heat Treatment:** Follow standard furnace safety procedures - **Welding:** Provide adequate ventilation and protection - **Material Handling:** Use proper techniques to prevent injury --- ## **ORDERING INFORMATION** ### **Standard Specifications** ``` MATERIAL: Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel SPECIFICATION: ASTM A681 P20 Type 1 CONDITION: Pre-hardened, 30-32 HRC SIZE: [Specify dimensions] QUANTITY: [Specify] TESTING: [Standard or Premium] ``` ### **Available Forms** - Rounds (turned, ground, and polished) - Squares and rectangles - Plates - Custom forged blocks - Near-net shapes ### **Lead Times** - **Stock Items:** 1-2 weeks - **Production Items:** 4-8 weeks - **Custom Forging:** 8-12 weeks --- ## **REGULATORY & ENVIRONMENTAL** ### **Compliance** - **RoHS Compliant:** Yes - **REACH Registered:** Yes - **Safety Data Sheets:** Available upon request ### **Recycling** - **Fully Recyclable:** Through standard steel recycling channels - **Scrap Value:** Good recovery value for tool steel scrap --- ## **CONTACT INFORMATION** **Latrobe Specialty Metals** A TimkenSteel Company 2626 Ligonier Street Latrobe, PA 15650 USA **Technical Support:** Phone: +1 (724) 537-7711 Email: technicalservices@latrobemetals.com **Customer Service:** Phone: +1 (800) 235-3555 Email: sales@latrobemetals.com **Website:** www.latrobemetals.com --- ## **DISCLAIMER** The information contained in this datasheet is based on laboratory tests and field experience and is believed to be reliable. However, no guarantee of accuracy or suitability for any particular purpose is expressed or implied. Users should conduct their own testing for critical applications. Properties may vary based on exact processing and heat treatment. Always follow safe handling and processing practices. © 2024 Latrobe Specialty Metals. All rights reserved. LSS™ is a trademark of Latrobe Specialty Metals. ASTM P20 is a registered standard of ASTM International. -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel (ASTM P20) Specification Dimensions Size： Diameter 20-1000 mm Length <6468 mm Size:We can customized as required Standard： Per your request or drawing We can customized as required Properties（Theoretical） Chemical Composition -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel (ASTM P20) Properties -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Applications of Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Seamless tube (ASTM P20) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Chemical Identifiers Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Seamless tube (ASTM P20) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -:

Packing of Latrobe LSS™ P20 Mold Steel Seamless tube (ASTM P20) -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Standard Packing: -:- For detailed product information, please contact sales. -: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and Steel Seamless tube drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 2939 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request. E FORUs’ is carefully handled to minimize damage during storage and transportation and to preserve the quality of our products in their original condition